Michael Jackson's Trials

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Saturday, May 29, 2004

Judge Rodney Melville, presiding over yesterday's hearing in respect of Michael Jackson's trial, has set the 13th of September as the date for the trial to start.

However, before you all rush off to write this in your diaries, not everyone is happy with this. Indeed the judge himself suggested that this was in fact something to aim at, rather than something fixed in stone.

There is every possibility, given the strenuous efforts of the defence to slow things down, that this date will be rolled back.

The judge also slapped the wrists of the media, for not taking his sealing orders as seriously as he wished. It seems that there will be some written guidelines issued to clarify the situation.

With regard to the question of the $3M bail, Judge Melville has postponed a decision. Defence and prosecution took the opportunity to have a dig at each other over this issue. The prosecution noted that this would be what Jackson would spend in a weekend at Las Vegas; is this true?

Friday, May 28, 2004

TFIF

Friday has dawned, and offers the world's media another opportunity to feast itself on the shenanigans in Santa Maria; as the prosecution, defence and media lawyers in the Michael Jackson case fight it out in court.

Today, Michael Jackson is not expected to turn up; but his team will "bat hard" on his behalf, they have called the charges "flimsy, ridiculous, bogus and malicious".

Despite the crowd pulling presence of Michael Jackson, there are a number of "big issues" on the agenda.

Topics under discussion include the possible reduction of his bail, and lifting of a veil of secrecy surrounding the charges against him.

The defence team wants the $3M bail reduced; saying it is excessive, and violates Santa Barbara County standards for bail on child molestation and conspiracy charges. The bail, according to Tom Mesereau, discriminates against Michael's wealth. Additionally, it seems that Jackson may need the money to run his business.

The prosecution, meanwhile, fears that a lower bail will allow to Jackson to consider doing a "moonlight flit". I have to say, I don't really see him (Jackson) enjoying leaving the self indulgent affluence of California; and "slumming it" in Africa or Europe.

Meanwhile, not wishing to be left out of the action, the media have hired its own band of "legal eagles" to push for the unsealing of the grand jury indictment.

Other issues will be raised including:

Access to around 400 items seized by prosecutors

The ongoing seal on the motion accusing someone in the case of contempt of court

Thursday, May 27, 2004

Discovered Part II

Following on from my article yesterday, about the alleged "foot dragging" by the prosecution in Michael Jackson's case. It seems that the amount of evidence that the defence are alleging has yet to be handed over to them is staggering.

According to reports there are more than 1100 pages of documents (police reports and summaries of witness interviews), 51 audiotapes, 300 items seized by the sheriff from Neverland and two videotapes.

On the assumption that this material exists, then it is likely that the defence team will wish to study it in detail. This no doubt will cause a delay in the trial, which had been planned to start in December.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

It seems that Michael Jackson's daddy has decided to hire an extra attorney, to act as "watchman" in Jackson's trial.

Joseph Jackson is reported to have taken on a Beverly Hills attorney, Debra Opri. However, this is at his own volition; she won't be a part of Michael's legal team.

Debra Opri is something of a mini media personality in her own right, as she often appears on TV shows as a legal expert. She has also represented singer James Brown. You can view Debra's website here.

I understand that Debra will be turning up to Michael Jackson's court appearance this Friday.

Whilst I don't doubt Debra's skills and integrity, I have to ask; is this a good idea?

If she is not on Jackson's team, and since he already has his own lawyer, what precisely is she meant to do?

Why does Father Joe think she will add value?

There is a high risk here, that the media will use her and Joe to provide commentary on the adequacy of the case presented by Michael's lawyers; this risks undermining their work.

Sunday, May 23, 2004

There's No Business Like Show Business

Rumours are circulating that a gay porn producer, allegedly with business links to Michael Jackson, may be involved with the alleged conspiracy to silence the boy accusing Michael Jackson of child molestation.

Oh dear, it does seem that people who enter showbusiness do seem to end up associating with some very dubious individuals.

I have to ask what is the point of the gag order, which DA Tom Sneddon supports, when the names of the alleged conspirators are already circulating freely on the net?